Submitted to Palooka Scribbles by the Lovely Nofret of Beacon Hall Archive

You see Sahaegin Dughn the Bard Laureate. She appears to be a Mhoragian Halfling. She appears to be in her 170's, and is shorter than average for a Halfling. She has silver-flecked eyes and ruddy skin. She has very long, very long silver hair worn in a single braid. She has an upturned nose and deep laugh lines. She is in good shape. She is holding a twisted carved walking staff in her right hand and some heady Halfling mead in her left hand. She is wearing a light grey woolen cloak, a leather tunic with faint embroidery worked around the neck and across the shoulders, some soft beaded leather moccasins, a suede satchel, and a quilled leather sheath.

Sahaegin says, "My people, the Halflings, are a very old race."

Sahaegin says, "For thousands of years we had no written history.. we passed myth down from generation to generation via story-telling"

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "I will begin tonight's talk with our oldest creation myth"

Sahaegin says, "It is central to all our beliefs"

Sahaegin says, "and it is sacred to us because it connects us with our ancestors."

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin closes her eyes for a moment and inhales. She raises her hands briefly, nods and then opens her eyes.

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "In the beginning, the Land was everything, a Mother rich and bountiful. She was and still is both the Land and one of the Old Ones. She called to the fierce denizens of the EverForest, the old place of time and mystery. "

Sahaegin says, "Answering her call, there came from the forest a grey wolf whose destiny was The Mother's will. She gave him a wife, a puma both sleek and fast. "

Sahaegin says, "They traveled across the plains and when they were camped near the source of the Tghigha River in sight of a tall mountain, their first son was born. They named him Mhoraga."

Sahaegin says, "Time passed and to them was given two more sons. These they named Brugha and Malghava, and together the three Brothers ran across the plains and became fast as the wind. "

Sahaegin says, "The Old Brother of the Wood taught them to fashion bows, and they became skillful archers. The Sister of the Plains showed the Brothers where the wild pony ran in herds that covered the Land for miles. " > Elanus joins Lunafleur's group. > Tierus whispers, "See, abs'lutely anythin' cin 'ave children t'gither. E'en pumas an' wolves."

Sahaegin says, "They were crafty, managing to catch three of the horses, steeds with speed and cunning. Taming the beasts, the Brothers rode the plains astride the ponies, bonding together as comrades and allies."

Sahaegin says, "Seeing the Brothers and their accomplishments, Father Sky was wise. "

Sahaegin says, "Drawing them together, he appeared to them as the Wind and told them they must each go away in a different direction, to establish households and homes. "

Sahaegin says, "The Father bade them be strong and fierce in protecting these households. The Mother bade them be always true to each other, and once a year to come together in the Trine to find agreement on all things through compromise and shared bonds of origin."

Sahaegin says, "This the Brothers did. "

Sahaegin says, "The first, Mhoraga, went north into the harsh territory of the steppes. He founded a household of fierce horse warriors, with a nature both unrelenting and fair. Members of Tribe Mhoraga were reared on snow and mare's milk, and the hunt was everything. "

Sahaegin says, "The Mhoraga kept few herds, merely those necessary to supplement hunting and to make the felt for their tents. They roamed the steppes, finding joy and strength in its beauty and its savage nature. "

Sahaegin says, "They traded beautifully cured skins and the spoils of the hunt with the Malghava and Brugha for other household necessities."

Sahaegin says, "Brugha traveled north and east, following the frost line on the north with the edge of what the Halflings called the EverForest on the south. "

Sahaegin says, "He settled in a country rich with game and with rivers teeming with the salmon and the trout. His descendants became both hunters and fishermen, also keeping herds of goats and sheep for their wool. "

Sahaegin says, "From this, the Brugha made soft, warm garments and thick felt for use in covering their round tents or "gers"."

Sahaegin says, "The last brother, Malghava, traveled south until he reached the rich, cool lands his descendents call the Shirelands. "

Sahaegin says, "Much of the territory was a vast pastureland, where horses, sheep and goats thrived. The Malghava Tribe became the least nomadic of the Trinity of the Truefolk, preferring instead to spin an unsurpassed quality of wool, which they wove into all types of garments. "

Sahaegin says, "They made pottery, known for its beautiful tribal decoration. "

Sahaegin says, "They gathered rich harvests of grains and berries that grew in the short, northern summer season. "

Sahaegin says, "And they made homes by burrowing into the hillsides, and carving warm dwellings within."

Sahaegin says, "That is our oldest myth"

Sahaegin says, "My next part deals with the distant days.."

Sahaegin says, "Primitive bands of nomadic Halflings living in tribes migrated from the vast northern forests, spreading out across the steppes. "

Sahaegin says, "They followed herds of wild antelope living on the rich plains and numbering in the millions. Some of the tribes began to domesticate the wooly goats and sheep native to the region, using the wool to make the felt covering their distinctive round tents as well as utilizing the milk to make a variety of dietary staples."

Sahaegin says, "The tribes were peaceful in nature, each group governed in most cases by a matriarchal elder. "

Sahaegin says, "You will notice that I now speak in the voice of our Tribal scholars.."

Sahaegin says, "However, the leaders were elected by group consensus, enabling the tribe's chosen leader to be male if that candidate was the one best suited for the task."

Sahaegin says, "Sometimes you just have to have a man."

Sahaegin says, "Surrounded by a bounty of game, and finding few adversaries able to withstand the Halflings' well-coordinated hunting techniques, the people prospered and multiplied. "

Sahaegin says, "They were loosely formed into three extended familial groups, defined by their style of making a living."

Sahaegin says, "In the most northerly region of the steppes, the Mhoragian tribes principally led a hunter/gatherer lifestyle, living in beautifully decorated round tents."

Sahaegin says, "Very early in Mhoragian history, the horse migrated north and appeared on the steppes, quickly burgeoning into large herds. "

Sahaegin says, "Over time, the harsh climate had its effect on the animals, giving them a smaller stature and a pelt that was much heavier than their southern cousins. "

Sahaegin says, "The Mhoragian Halflings lost no time in capturing and taming these animals, an event that transformed their existence."

Sahaegin says, "Utilizing the horses to carry them as well as pull their wagons, the Mhoragian Halflings' nomadic range was drastically expanded. "

Sahaegin says, "They spread across the steppes, crossing hundreds of miles every year but always returning to the Shirelands in late summer for the annual Trine."

Sahaegin says, "The Mhoragians principally subsisted on the spoils of the hunt, supplemented with various types of cheese made from goat and mare's milk, and berries the children gathered while their elders were away from camp seeking game. "

Sahaegin says, "Other than the elaborate designs painted on their tents and dyed on their leather clothing, they employed few handcrafts. Beading was an exception. Used as a pastime to while away the long, wintry days when snow made hunting impossible, men, women and children became masterful at the art. "

Sahaegin says, "The designs woven from the vividly hued beads had a variety of applications, ranging from their use as a primitive calendar system, to a rich symbolic language for depicting heroic events and legends."

Sahaegin says, "Pottery and other household items were obtained by the Mhoragians from the other tribes via trade, as were cured fish (considered a rare delicacy among the nomads) and seasoned wood with which to make arrows and bows. "

Sahaegin says, "As well as being renowned for their skill in crafting the weapons, they were consummate archers."

Sahaegin says, "The next section deals with the Northeast, where is located Lake Khesta 'Dahl"

Sahaegin says, "The Brughan tribes crossed the steppes and settled around the shores of a large, freshwater lake they called Khesta 'Dahl (the name meaning Sister of the Mists). "

Sahaegin says, "Situated at the edge of a vast, old growth forest, the lake and its environs teemed with all manner of game, fowl and fish."

Sahaegin says, "On the temperate plains bordering the harsher climate of the steppes, the Brughans learned to supplement their diets with rudimentary farming. "

Sahaegin says, "These crops tended to be loosely plotted and consisted mainly of wheat and maize, which they ground into flour. From this flour, the Halflings made a paper-thin variety of bread cooked in domed ovens called 'ackras', which they constructed from rocks found around the lake."

Sahaegin says, "Given the bountiful resources of fish in the lake, the Brughans learned to construct canoe-type boats, each hollowed from the trunk of a tree. "

Sahaegin says, "Often reaching a length of 40 to 50 feet, the 'ranga' was, in some cases, manned by a synchronized team of rowers coordinated by a drummer seated at the craft's bow. "

Sahaegin says, "These large crafts were usually used for ceremonial purposes, and were richly decorated with vividly colored designs. "

Sahaegin says, "More commonly, a smaller version of the boat was sailed with either one or two rowers and an additional crewman along to do the fishing. "

Sahaegin says, "According to pictographs showing this activity, favorite catches included trout, salmon and perch. There is reason to deduce from certain of the designs that scavenger fish were never consumed, and were considered 'unpalatable' by these Halflings."

Sahaegin says, "Just as their brethren possessed expert equestrian abilities, so too did the Brughans. "

Sahaegin says, "However, their principal stock was a larger variety of pony, carrying a shorter coat than the shaggy steppe horses the Mhoragians tended to favor. "

Sahaegin says, "The 'Brughan shire horse' was also a taller animal, though still small in comparison to the Vaalorian thoroughbred."

Sahaegin says, "Now we journey to The Shirelands"

Sahaegin says, "Settling along the northern border of the forests, in an area of rolling hills and plains alternating with thick, deciduous forests, the Malghava Halflings lived a predominately settled lifestyle, giving up their nomadic tendencies as time passed. "

Sahaegin says, "By the time the elves took notice of the northern people and begin to document occasional encounters, the Malghavans were known for constructing their peculiar dwellings built into the Shirelands' rolling hillsides. "

Sahaegin says, "And notably, they utilized fences to enclose herds and crops, an immense change in philosophy from their wide-ranging relations living to the north and northeast."

Sahaegin says, "The Malghavans became well known for breeding a variety of Brughan Shire horse notable for its distinctive coloration. "

Sahaegin says, "Often called the Malghavan saddle horse, the breed's coat ranged from pale ivory to a rich palomino color, with white mane, tail and foot 'feathers.'"

Sahaegin says, "In a typical Malghavan shire, a group of picturesque round doors was scattered around a larger 'Trine Hall', which was usually built of stone. "

Sahaegin says, "The Trine Hall buildings were often open-sided and sometimes octagonal in shape as well, and all generally had a large hearth at their center with an open smoke-hole in the roof above."

Sahaegin says, "The fences surrounding a Malghavan shire were widely known for their beautiful construction. "

Sahaegin says, "The heavy-veined granite and fieldstone, mottled with lichens, provided a lovely contrast to the rich brown and emerald tones of the fields and pastures they outlined."

Sahaegin says, "On cursory observation, a typical shire looked the model of domestication; in actuality, however, the Malghavan Halflings could be considered somewhat of a hybrid. "

Sahaegin says, "Inside the dwellings, the furnishings were, for the most part, rudimentary and sparse. "

Sahaegin says, "For although the Malghavans were superb craftsmen when it came to their wagons, weapons and personal belongings, they tended to put little effort into anything that got left behind during a yearly period of travel they call the 'taheaga.'"

Sahaegin says, "Literally, the term meant 'to walk about,' though these ventures tended to last at least a couple of months, during which time the shires were closed up and forgotten. "

Sahaegin says, "It was not uncommon for a tribe of Malghavans to return to a completely different shire at the end of their yearly migration. "

Sahaegin says, "If they found the shire they left occupied upon their return, they simply traveled to another one and settled in."

Sahaegin says, "A notable exception to the custom of taheaga was the largest of the fiefs, a town known as Fraelshire. "

Sahaegin says, "It was here that the yearly Trine was held, and the community of Halflings residing in Fraelshire spent the usual time of 'taheaga' preparing to host the gathering."

Sahaegin says, "By tradition, the Malghavians hosted the Trine. "

Sahaegin says, "A six-week-long celebration of family bonds, this gathering of all the Halfling tribes featured trading, and the sharing of stories, as well as athletic matches and a much-anticipated meeting arena for tribal members looking for a wife or husband. "

Sahaegin says, "By ancient law, attendance of the Trine is compulsory and all families traveled to it regardless of circumstances."

Sahaegin says, "I will next speak of the Trine. This has not been shared with 'Outsiders' before"

Sahaegin says, "The Trine"

Sahaegin says, "A time of festivals, of competitions and of reunions, as well as a time for discussions of a philosophical as well as a political nature, the Trine was the fundamental groundwork upon which the governing of the widespread Halfling people was based."

Sahaegin says, "Held roughly during a moon's cycle in the month of Lumnea, each Trine had its 'Mother' and 'Father' figures, nominated in recognition of their accomplishments exhibited via equestrian events and oral performances of wit and wisdom. "

Sahaegin says, "Valorous acts performed during the previous year that were reported by the candidate's family or companions also weighed into the equation. "

Sahaegin says, "Finally, a Father and Mother were elected, and it is they who had the final word in any controversy needing mediation."

Sahaegin says, "These noble couples were elected roughly halfway through the Trine, and occupied the honorary station from then until the next year's election. It was not uncommon for a popular Father or Mother to carry the mantle for a number of Trines, until he or she was bested by a new, popular personality, or grew tired and voluntarily relinquished the position. "

Sahaegin says, "No man or woman could be forced to accept the responsibility if they felt they had not the time or where-with-all to do an honorable job of it. "

Sahaegin says, "Although the year's Father and Mother were usually a hand-fasted couple, it was not unknown for this not to be the case. "

Sahaegin says, "In practice, however, if they were not united, they were almost always from the same extended family since it was usually necessary for them to facilitate any number of issues during the year, dealing with tribal law, trade, controversy or issues dealing with the 'Others'."

Sahaegin says, "The Trine was first and foremost a showcase for contests of combat skills, however merchanting ran a close second in popularity"

Sahaegin says, "Hand-fasted is the Halfling term for wedded."

Sahaegin says, "The merchants..."

Sahaegin says, "Long avenues of gaily decorated felt gers offered a wide variety of trade goods, as well as all manner of food and drink. "

Sahaegin says, "The athletic competitions mainly took the form of tourneys featuring equestrian skills combined with archery. However, a number of opportunities were offered to test the skills of sword and hammer."

Sahaegin says, "A popular event during the six weeks of the Trine was the "Yesui Moon", a night of mystery and frolic. "

Sahaegin says, "Held on the "high" full moon, the rite was attended by unmarried men and women of at least a marriageable age. "

Sahaegin says, "And still is."

Sahaegin says, "The term "Yesui" was used to designate both the ritual and those who participated in it. "

Sahaegin says, "Roughly translated, it meant either the "search" or "searching", or a "seeker" in reference to an individual."

Sahaegin says, "The Yesui Moon culminated on the evening of the third day with a feast and a revel of drums and dancing. "

Sahaegin says, "Although the purified Seekers were not allowed to eat, during the meal they were given a type of fermented mead that was said to have magical properties, heightening awareness as well as libido. "

Sahaegin says, "They were required to participate in the dancing, which grew in tempo and momentum as the drummers escalated the pace into a dizzy whirl. "

Sahaegin says, "During the final rounds of drumming, they were blindfolded and led away to the edge of the forest surrounding the vale. Once there, the Yesui entered the forest with the purpose of "following Mother Moonlight's impetus.""

Sahaegin says, "Tradition dictated that the blindfolds remain in place during the whole night. "

Sahaegin says, "The following dawn found the Yesui returning, bedraggled and exhausted from the night's events. "

Sahaegin says, "Strangly enough.. there doesn't seem to be much running into trees. I wonder why."

Sahaegin rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Sahaegin says, "The blindfolds were removed during a short ceremony, and the Halflings were taken to a specially designated ger to fall into exhausted slumber, many of them entwined in a new lover's arms."

Sahaegin says, "During the final two weeks of the Trine, marriages -- or hand-fasts as the Halflings call the institution -- were planned and celebrated. "

Sahaegin says, "Many of these unions had been initiated during the Yesui, or else during the Yesui of the previous year, or two in the case of those who wished a more lengthy "Trial of Affections.""

Sahaegin says, "For those who became pledged to one another during the Yesui and decided to wait for a time before they were hand-fasted, it was customary for the man to travel and reside with the woman's family during the ensuing time. "

Sahaegin says, "Also during that time, the woman had a choice of sharing a pallet with her intended, or remaining in a separate ger with any unmarried sisters, aunts or cousins. "

Sahaegin says, "Should a child result from cohabitation, its parents were expected to hand-fast without delay at the next Trine."

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "The Yesui was not strictly limited to those hoping for a life-partner. "

Sahaegin says, "Women who found themselves with child following the Yesui were viewed as being especially blessed, and their children were honored as being favored by the Night's mystery."

Sahaegin says, "On rare occasions, a Yesui failed to return from the forest. "

Sahaegin says, "Those individuals were considered by all to have received a unique honor: having been chosen by one of the Moons as a lover. "

Sahaegin says, "A quiet remembrance ceremony for the immediate family was held shortly thereafter. "

Sahaegin says, "Then, during the hand-fasting week, a ceremony for the absent one was conducted, wherein he or she was officially hand-fasted with the Goddess of the Night Sky, bringing much honor to the missing Halfling as well as to their extended family."

Sahaegin says, "Many Halfling songs concerned the Yesui, sagas filled with strange and glorious happenings during the moonlit night. "

Sahaegin says, "All of these were represented as being the absolute truth and no member of the Truefolk was ever willing to dispute the veracity of these tales. "

Sahaegin says, "For to do so was viewed as tantamount to declaring the mystery of the Yesui itself invalid, a mystery believed to be inextricably interwoven with the concept of love and the union of a Halfling with his or her mate. "

Sahaegin says, "So ends my sharing of our sacred Yesui with you"

Sahaegin says, "I will now speak of Halfling and the Undead War"

Sahaegin says, "After the disastrous Battle of ShadowGuard, emissaries from Ta'Faendryl were sent to seek out and recruit the fierce tribes of mounted Halflings inhabiting the Northern Steppes. "

Sahaegin says, "Although the Halflings were suspicious of the tall visitors, ancient custom demanded that they receive guests with a hospitable, though also wary and standoffish, welcome. "

Sahaegin says, "They listened to the Faendryl, and after much discussion, the three tribes (the Trinity of Truefolk as they called themselves) finally agreed to ride south as allies to House Faendryl."

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings arrived in the aftermath of ShadowGuard, and were put to the test against the heinous hordes following Despana. "

Sahaegin says, "For years they stood with the Elven forces, their own numbers dwindling as the battles took their toll."

Sahaegin says, "As the united forces of the Elven Nations regrouped for the final onslaught at Maelshyve, the remnants of the Trinity of Tribes gathered themselves. "

Sahaegin says, "By this time some were afoot, having lost their mounts to the hordes of orcs and ghouls swarming around the horse warriors. "

Sahaegin says, "The formation of mounted Halflings advanced into the fray, their flanks guarded by a company of their brethren on foot. "

Sahaegin says, "Losses were heavy as the day passed. "

(Sahaegin sighs and then fixes her eyes on the distance.)

Sahaegin says, "Then the unexpected occurred. "

Sahaegin says, "The Faendryl unleashed their hidden power, leaving the exhausted forces to watch the carnage as demons ravaged their foes."

Sahaegin says, "One might think the battered Halflings would have welcomed the sight of their enemies' demise. "

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "One might think the battered Halflings would have welcomed the sight of their enemies' demise. "

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "However, witnessing the flight of demons summoned by their supposed Faendryl friends and allies, the Halflings were horrified. "

Sahaegin says, "As the day ended, effectively concluding the years-long conflict, the disheartened Halflings called a Trine to resolve their difference of opinion in the aftermath of the bloody day."

Sahaegin says, "A faction of the group was stricken at the very concept of having been allied with 'demon summoners'. "

Sahaegin says, "They felt they could never return to the Shirelands to face their families. They argued that they would forever carry the guilt of fighting for the army that loosed such a travesty on the land and all her bounty. "

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "Others were weary and wished only to return to die in the Shirelands, hence allowing their souls to find and be reunited with family and loved ones who had gone before them. "

Sahaegin says, "For it was Tribal belief that should a Truefolk die in lands far away, they were doomed after death to wander endlessly, searching for those they had loved during their lifetime. "

Sahaegin says, "It was this belief that made the act of not returning to their families -- advocated by the Halflings who wrestled with the horror conceived at the birth of the demons -- the supreme sacrifice."

Sahaegin asks, "My friends.. we have talked long and there is still much to tell you. Do we need a short break?"

Sahaegin says, "Now then.. I commence."

Sahaegin says, "The Trine was split."

Sahaegin says, "For the first time the Trine was irrevocably split. A third of the surviving Halfling army finally decided to journey north and west. "

Sahaegin says, "They were a mixture of all three tribes. The remainder began the preparations prior to returning home to the Shirelands. "

Sahaegin says, "The parting was a tragic one, all believing that they would never be reunited in either life or death. "

Sahaegin says, "The choice of who went where fell not only between Tribes, but between families as well. "

Sahaegin says, "Those who didn't return were given the name of Paradis, translated as 'the Homeless' or 'the Lost' and were never forgotten by the Halflings who finally made it back to their homes in the Shirelands and on the steppes."

Sahaegin says, "Finally, the Paradis took their leave, and the homeward-bound party mourned their departure with a weeklong wake, as though they had just died. "

Sahaegin says, "During this time, they fasted and sang both the old historical tales as well as new compositions written for those who had just left their tents. Some of these songs become timeless examples of the Halfling folk compositions."

Sahaegin says, "I will now tell you about the Roots of the "Halfling Folk Sagas"

Sahaegin says, "Since the Halflings had, at the time of the Great War of Undead, no written language, they sang their hereditary tales to assuage their remorse at the necessity of being away from their families and ancestral lands for long, harsh years. "

Sahaegin says, "Members of other races, hearing the beautiful songs performed in neighboring camps, listened avidly to the skillful tribal singers. "

Sahaegin says, "Thus, Others (as the Halflings called all who were not of the Truefolk) began to remember and learn the songs. "

Sahaegin says, "Finally, years later a collected body of music known as the 'Halfling Folk Sagas' were scribed to parchment by the elf Norl Farar, a work that has enjoyed widespread appreciation and popularity through the years since the Great War."

Sahaegin says, "Now.. back to the halfings who survived the war"

Sahaegin says, "Warriors returning from ShadowGuard brought with them the stories of the Undead War, and the heart-wrenching loss of kin. "

Sahaegin says, "Halflings of all three tribes were dazed with sorrow. It seemed that every hearth had an absent loved-one to remember. "

Sahaegin says, "This was a loss that was nigh inconceivable, not to mention the problematic fact that so many extended families were now remnants of what they had once been. "

Sahaegin says, "There were more widows and widowers among the Truefolk than had ever been. Gravestones raised their lonely faces across the Steppes, however few of the graves below the stones contained a body. "

Sahaegin says, "It took years for the tribal elders to convince the Truefolk to move past the time of mourning for their loved ones. "

Sahaegin says, "Knowing that the future of the Halfling race depended upon a recovery, the shamans entreated the tribes to once again embrace the joy of living, a term--almost forgotten-- that they called 'resch'lative.'"

Sahaegin says, "The earliest signs of the Halfling recovery were seen in the Malghavan Territories. "

Sahaegin says, "There, Halfling towns gradually regained their populations, and in time, took possession of the rich fields surrounding the township. These Halflings were a changed group. "

Sahaegin says, "They no longer felt the need to wander the lands in search of distant dreams. "

Sahaegin says, "Instead, they began to spend more and more effort on the quaint dwellings that characterized the Shirelands. Round doors eventually dotted the countryside and verdant gardens made the panorama a thing of beauty. "

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings migrated less and less as years went by, however the Trine remained an inalienable institution."

Sahaegin says, "I speak next of Age of Chaos and Beyond"

Sahaegin says, "and... The Trinity of Truefolk"

Sahaegin says, "The Birth of Tribal Magic"

Sahaegin says, "The Halfling tribes gradually recovered from the ravages of the Undead War, both in terms of population as well as pessimism. "

Sahaegin says, "Tales of Truefolk becoming silent and withdrawn, and finally riding off never to be seen again, finally ended. "

Sahaegin says, "This irrecoverable depression was seen by some to be a scourge born of their Gods' disapproval with the Truefolk, a punishment for having been associated with the demon summoning. "

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "They called the malady the Maelaish, and likewise used the term to refer to those claimed by its darkness."

Sahaegin says, "For many years the Halflings vehemently avoided contact or interaction with outlanders, or 'Others.' "

Sahaegin says, "If any, especially elves, approached their encampment, they acted as if the intruders did not exist. "

Sahaegin says, "They carried on with their normal activities, simply walking around any outsider as though he or she did not exist. However, at dawn of the next day, the visitors awoke and found the whole community had vanished."

Tanager says, "Were they never attacked, when they ignored the intruders? It seems a... dangerous... way of life."

Sahaegin says, "Well, the elves in those days didn't, for the most part, even seem aware of their existence. And if aware, they deemed the Halflings of less notice than the lowly animals inhabiting those lands."

Sahaegin says, "At a historically significant Trine some fifty years after Maelshyve, the Truefolk arrived at a monumental decision guided by a Trine Father named Finryst Carlsonne. "

Sahaegin says, "Carlsonne was a visionary leader in terms of historical far-sightedness, and urged his people to embrace magic and develop it, for purposes of not only advancing their population's success in making a living, but in their ability to protect themselves from others' magical workings"

Sahaegin says, "His proposal met with great resistance at first, fueled by the memory of magic gone awry at Maelshyve and its punishments on the Halfling tribes. "

Sahaegin says, "However, Finryst, an admirable orator with great charisma, was finally able to convert his opposition to his opinions and gain the unanimous ruling necessary for passing the Trine. "

Sahaegin says, "Magic was embraced and a search was initiated to find those Truefolk youth who exhibited a talent for the art. "

Sahaegin says, "Guiding this endeavor was an expatriate Illistim elf by the name of Memailly Rachidesic."

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "Memailly Rachidesic, the Avatar"

Tanager blinks at Sahaegin.

Tanager asks, "Avatar?"

Achillea peers quizzically at Sahaegin.

You ask, "Avatar of whom?"

Sahaegin says, "Having been expelled from her home in the city of Ta'Illistim in her early adulthood, purportedly for breaking certain rules regarding the casting of dark magic, Memailly traveled north and eventually happened upon a settlement of Mhoragian Halflings. "

Sahaegin says, "It was later proposed that these charges were construed."

Sahaegin says, "Although weak from the hardships of her journey, she was fascinated by the small, hardy folk and smitten by the ritual-rich existence she observed in them"

Sahaegin says, "As they worked at their normal activities all around her without apparently noticing her, she carefully watched all that they did. "

Sahaegin says, "At the end of the day, she knew that she had found what she set out to discover months before. She had found the Mhoraga tribe. She was home."

Sahaegin says, "That night, although near physical exhaustion, Memailly sat before the main campfire of the settlement and pondered the problem of convincing the tribe to accept her, to recognize her and communicate. "

Sahaegin says, "The problem and its possible solutions denied her the comfort of sleep"

Sahaegin says, "She was heartily grateful for this when, in the last couple hours of darkness, the camp silently came alive. "

Sahaegin says, "Gers were struck with amazing speed and nary a sound was heard other than a slight rustle of canvas bags and tack."

Sahaegin says, "As the whole settlement set off into the darkness, Memailly followed them, leaving most of the small amount of provisions and gear she still retained. "

Sahaegin says, "She was simply too exhausted to carry much more than herself."

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings walked all the coming day. "

Sahaegin says, "In mid-afternoon, the group stopped for a rest. Thankful for the chance to sit, Memailly drew her water bag to her lips for a much needed drink. It was empty. "

Sahaegin says, "The seemingly endless expanse of the steppes stretched into the distance, with no sign of water in any direction. "

Sahaegin says, "None-the-less, she said nothing to the Halflings sitting in groups around her, sharing water and tough, brown strips of jerky."

Sahaegin says, "Hearing a small rustle, Memailly realized her eyes had fallen shut. "

Sahaegin furrows her brow.

Sahaegin says, "She blinked in confusion for a moment, and saw the group was already on the move. "

Sahaegin says, "Leaping up, she stepped forward to follow, and almost tripped over her water bag. It was now full. "

Sahaegin says, "She drew a blessed mouthful of cold, sweet water, and set off once again, following the tough little people she hoped so desperately to join."

Sahaegin says, "For three days and nights, the Halflings marched"

Sahaegin says, "Memailly only allowed herself to doze fitfully during their rare rest stops, constantly afraid they would slip away if she truly slept. "

Sahaegin says, "At the end of the third day, as the Halflings stopped for their evening meal, Memailly sat down heavily and tried to focus her eyes. "

Sahaegin says, "She knew she could not get up again once the Halflings returned to the march"

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "In resigned despair, she slumped over on her side and fell instantly into a deep sleep."

Sahaegin says, "The following morning, Memailly awoke to find a bustling settlement of gers erected all around her. "

Sahaegin says, "As she blearily glanced about her, an ancient little Halfling grandmother knelt beside her and offered her a cup of warm tea. "

Sahaegin says, "In surprise and gratitude, Memailly accepted the cup."

Sahaegin says, "As she drank, the woman chuckled and said something to her Memailly didn't understand. "

Sahaegin says, "The thing she did understand however was that the ordeal was over, and, against all odds, she had passed the test. "

Sahaegin says, "She lived the remainder of her life with the Mhoragian Halflings and became the subject of many legends told among the Truefolk."

Sahaegin says, "The next part I would like to tell is.."

Sahaegin says, "The Coming of Magic"

Sahaegin says, "Memailly Traithmok had been with the Halflings for many years, and though she was still young in terms of being an elf, she'd slowly gained the trust of the Halfling tribe"

Sahaegin says, "Finryst Carlsonne had come to depend upon her as an advisor. "

Sahaegin says, "Finryst had long since discovered that Memailly was a wizard trained in the venerable halls of Ta'Illistim's finest academies. "

Sahaegin says, "She had given up any allegiance she might have once felt for her Elven ancestry with the commencement of her marriage to a Halfling warrior named Einaz Traithmok, a union that lasted over 70 years"

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "The marriage ended when Einaz was killed in a conflict with an Ardenai hunting party, leaving Memailly a widow. "

Sahaegin says, "When Finryst told her of his plans for bringing magic to the tribes, she agreed and willingly took on the organization of the endeavor. "

Sahaegin says, "Time proved that Memailly's enviable talent in magic was equaled by her skills at management."

Sahaegin says, "Young Halflings with magical promise were located during the coming years, and brought to Fraelshire. "

Sahaegin says, "Here a structure was erected, a large building where the tenants of magic began to be taught, and it was called Grinstoff Roth."

Sahaegin says, "The children who studied there turned out to be surprisingly adept, and Memailly was amazed, then delighted, with their promise. "

Sahaegin asks, "Who could have known that such a vast well of talent was lying undetected in the small, hardy people?"

Sahaegin says, "During her teaching, Memailly was at first puzzled why spells she cast at the halfings would be resisted as though they had not worked. "

Sahaegin says, "With experimentation, she discovered they had an innate ability to withstand elemental magic to a degree she had never encountered before. "

Sahaegin says, "While she was never able to fully explain this, she eventually deduced it derived from a combination of the Halflings' close relationship with the land and their natural inclination to disdain hostility. "

Sahaegin says, "Memailly gave it a name, calling it the 'reshchleiv' or as translated in Halfling, 'Land's bounty.'"

Sahaegin says, "As Finryst passed from Trine Father, his successors continued to support the work, trusting Memailly's administration with unquestioning approval. "

Sahaegin says, "With her Elven longevity, she schooled year after year of new initiates, and watched their children, and their grandchildren follow in the magical arts. "

Sahaegin says, "And as time passed, the initiates grew into their power as though they were growing in height. The other races, meanwhile, had no suspicion that the Halflings possessed any knowledge of the arcane arts."

Sahaegin asks, "any questions before I move on to the next age?"

Ferdirand raises his hand.

Merryleon raises his hand.

Elfstan raises his hand.

Sahaegin asks, "Yes Ferd?"

Ferdirand asks, "you say that Memailly's husband was killed in a conflict with Adrenai...was there open conflict between Halflings and Others?"

Sahaegin says, "At that time, there the conflict was not common"

Sahaegin says, "However.. the next section of the history will tell you that it was a lead-in to events that would later happen"

Sahaegin says, "Let me go on..."

Sahaegin says, "The next part of the history is a sad tale"

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "It is called 'The Horse War'"

Sahaegin says, "For many years, the Halflings had lived on the steppes and along the borders of the Houses Ardenai and Illistims' land"

Sahaegin says, "For the most part, the elves, as they did with most other races, completely ignored the Halflings, beyond asking their help in the final push against Despana's minions. "

Sahaegin says, "The elves had no use for others."

Sahaegin says, "In about the year -14823, during the dark times after the defeat of Despana and the exile of House Faendryl, a ravaging blight began to reduce the crops surrounding the city of Ta'Ardenai. "

Sahaegin says, "For five years running, the blight persisted, to the point that the city was on the verge of starvation. "

Sahaegin says, "Given the schism that had developed between the Houses since the exile of the Faendryl, none of the other Houses had offered assistance to the Ardenai."

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai hunters ranged further and further north in an attempt to feed the city's populace, which eventually brought them into direct conflict with the Brughan Halflings living in the forests surrounding the lake Khesta 'Dahl. "

Sahaegin says, "Isolated incidences of conflict became a growing threat among the Brughan tribes."

Sahaegin says, "As racial bigotry prohibited cooperation in feeding the starving populace of Ta'Ardenai, skirmishes between Elven hunting parties and Halfling settlements became increasingly more common. "

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings began to conceal their settlements. "

Sahaegin says, "The elves often underestimated their small adversaries. The small elven hunting parties, formed less of soldiers than true game hunters, found themselves at the mercy of lightning-fast strikes by Halflings mounted on the agile Brughan shire ponies. "

Sahaegin says, "As I said... the elves often underestimated their small adversaries. "

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings were not only consummate riders, but also exceptional archers, a fact that took the Ardenai marksmen off-guard."

Sahaegin says, "The ruling king of House Ardenai began to take notice of the difficulties the hunting parties were reporting in their attempts to gather game for the city's consumption. "

Sahaegin says, "With typical elven arrogance, the king decided to send a small legion of soldiers northward to deal with the diminutive harassers."

Sahaegin says, "As Brughan settlements were found and burned, Ardenai hunting parties attacked and Truefolk killed in retaliation"

Sahaegin says, "The conflict escalated in the eyes of the Ardenai from a minor annoyance to a major issue. "

Sahaegin says, "The proud Elves of Ta'Ardenai would not countenance such aggression and insult from a people they viewed as itinerate poachers, in fact little better than vermin."

Sahaegin says, "The populace of Ta'Ardenai grew more and more unruly as famine and disease claimed their victims. "

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai ruling family saw the Halfling insurgence as an expedient culprit on which to blame all the woes of the city. "

Sahaegin says, "The blight, while a devastating punishment to the population of Ta'Ardenai, was a natural one. "

Sahaegin says, "'Gradually, the city's ire was redirected from the ruling family to the 'Halfling menace.'"

Sahaegin says, "Seeing an advantage, the Ardenai king discussed attacking the Halflings and claiming all the lands of the northern forests as Ardenai provinces. "

Sahaegin says, "This encompassed the entirety of the Brughan homelands, a region rich in timber, water and game, to which the king intended to promote migration and settlement by the populace they were unable to feed. "

Sahaegin says, "Thus, the Ardenai claimed it as their eminent domain and sent several legions of seasoned warriors northward to safeguard the area for Elven migration. "

Sahaegin says, "Meanwhile, distant Elven settlers, acquainted with the Brughan tribes and -- after years of trade -- friendly to them, warned the Halflings of the threat. "

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings found it difficult to believe that the Ardenai would initiate something so radical, and expected to meet only an enhanced version of the raiding parties they had previously experienced."

Sahaegin says, "While the Ardenai military leaders were adept strategists, they believed the Halfling population would be easily subdued, and expected the initiative to last only a few weeks. "

Sahaegin says, "With this in mind, they formed a small preliminary strike force to move into the Brughan lands, wipe out any resistance, and then occupy the land until a larger group of warriors could arrive and relieve them"

Sahaegin says, "The first strike force was only a few hundred troops; however they had the added advantage of having been on numerous campaigns before that and were fairly seasoned fighters."

Sahaegin says, "In the meantime, the Halflings contacted the other families. "

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai legions reached the Brughan territories and set up camp in a beautiful valley bordered by tall, wooded hills on three sides. "

Sahaegin says, "Although ringed by thick forest, the valley, called Saens Valaire, was wide enough that the Elven commanders considered it safe, plus it had the advantage of a running river to the north. "

Sahaegin says, "The troops made camp while reconnaissance parties began to explore and map the surrounding countryside."

Sahaegin says, "Despite the survey sorties, the Elves did not discover the main Brughan outpost"

Sahaegin says, "Instead, they found another town, inhabited for the most part by old men, women and children. "

Sahaegin says, "The Elven scouts, viewing the settlement from a distance, saw a large number of the curious, round Halfling tents, as well as a bustling population and a large herd of Shire ponies. "

Sahaegin says, "It was this settlement, known as Ragalatan, which the Ardenai strike force chose as its first initiative."

Sahaegin says, "As the Ardenai army surged across the river bordering the town of Ragalatan and swept down upon the settlement's population, Halflings ran desperately for shelter. "

Sahaegin says, "Screams echoed across the valley as they died, and Truefolk fled while clouds of Ardenai arrows rained death upon them. "

Sahaegin says, "At the conclusion of the Ragalatan massacre, few Halflings who had dwelt there were left alive."

Sahaegin says, "The Halfling army, massing at another settlement on the other side of the hills, heard of the attack on Ragalatan and the general reaction was one of stunned dismay followed by rage. "

Sahaegin says, "All doubt that the Ardenai Elves were bent on all-out war in order to push the halfings from the surrounding land was gone. The halfings prepared for attack."

Sahaegin says, "As the small group of Ardenai troops returned to their camp, they brought the few survivors of Ragalatan with them, a group that included a few women and children. "

Sahaegin says, "While the command staff of the Ardenai troops knew that the initiative was just beginning, the general mood of the troops was one of victory, despite the questionable fact that the victims of the Ragalatan Massacre had been essentially harmless."

Sahaegin says, "Three days later, the Halfling army attacked an hour before dawn, taking the advantage of surprise. "

Sahaegin says, "By noon of that day, only the commanders of the Elven troops were left alive. "

Sahaegin says, "They were sent home carrying a message that the Brughan homelands are not open to transgression."

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai king, incensed at the defeat of his legion, lost no time in sending several more legions of troops northward. "

Sahaegin says, "These well-trained troops were familiar with battle tactics and ready for a fight, having heard of the loss of the first legion. "

Sahaegin says, "Still, in the coming years spent in the wild Brughan lands, there were no large-scale confrontations. "

Sahaegin says, "Instead, the Elves and Halflings engaged in covert attacks on each others' scouting parties."

Sahaegin says, "For the first time, the Ardenai Elves began to find themselves the targets of magical attacks from unseen Halflings hidden in the trees and vales. "

Sahaegin says, "This was an immense surprise, since the Halflings had previously been considered a race unskilled in magic, hence primitive and unworthy of notice. "

Sahaegin says, "Over time, the troops were lowered in number and eventually recalled, their numbers so reduced that they were no longer considered to have any tactical advantage. "

Sahaegin says, "It was at this point that the Ardenai King, already suspect among his Councilors in terms of reliable judgment, began to consider another option. "

Sahaegin says, "Despite the fact that the blight had finally ended, and prosperity returned to the Elven city of Ta'Ardenai, the Ardenai King could not accept defeat at the hands of a people he respected so little. "

Sahaegin says, "In secrecy, at the bequest of the Ardenai King, sorcerers were consulted, and after much conjecture, a plan was put forward. "

Sahaegin says, "It was considered harsh, but the general consensus among the King's advisors was that victory must be achieved. "

Sahaegin says, "The King, still angered over the abuses visited on his legions, agreed. "

Sahaegin says, "They would repay the Halflings' magical attacks with sorcery. Under a strict vow of secrecy, the sorcerers began their convocations."

Sahaegin says, "The spells took ten years to perfect. "

Sahaegin says, "During that time, the conflict between the Elves and the Halflings decreased and finally stopped, as the legions had been recalled and few Ardenai remained near the Halfling lands. "

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings returned to living, and the city of Ta'Ardenai returned to prosperity. "

Sahaegin says, "At length, the Ardenai Sorcery Master arranged a meeting with the King and his advisors and there, declared the magic ready to use. "

Sahaegin says, "The result was immediate conflict within the small group of advisors. "

Sahaegin says, "Some individuals voiced their opinion that the situation was now healthy and saw no reason to proceed. "

Sahaegin says, "However, when it was pointed out that the dreaded pacifist element had infiltrated even the highest court, the King pushed his advisors to agree with the plan. "

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai Sorcerers, vastly powerful and eminently knowledgeable in the dark arts, initiated the spells."

Sahaegin says, "Within weeks, the Halflings discovered their prized herds of ponies were ill. "

Sahaegin says, "Despite anything they knew to do, the animals began to die. "

Sahaegin says, "In two months time, every pony across the Empire of the Truefolk was dead. "

Sahaegin says, "In the first weeks, the Halflings tried to bury them, but soon the sheer numbers of the herds necessitated that the Halflings burn the carcasses. "

Sahaegin says, "Unfortunately, the Ardenai failed to take into account the breadth of their sorcery; their buffering spells, cast to protect their own herds, proved ineffective. "

Sahaegin says, "Within six months, all the Halfling ponies and the Ardenai herds were dead. "

Sahaegin sighs.

Sahaegin says, "The advisors were aghast at the ineffectuality of the buffering spells, and quickly insured that the shroud of death silenced every sorcerer associated with the project. "

Sahaegin says, "While the horse owners and Ardenai horse breeders were in an uproar at the demise of their prized equines, the Ta'Ardenai King's advisors prayed that the truth would never be discovered."

Sahaegin says, "Among the Halfling tribes, the Mhoragians were the hardest hit by the annihilation. "

Sahaegin says, "They burned the carcasses of their valuable herds, and then tried to follow the antelope by foot. "

Sahaegin says, "Many died of starvation. And some died of despair at the death of their ancestral heritage."

Sahaegin says, "While all ponies were gone from the Halfling way of life after the sorcery, the hardy people managed to evolve and in time, proliferate. "

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai Elves, preoccupied with their own troubles and concerns, paid the small people little attention afterward. "

Sahaegin says, "The Ardenai herds were rebuilt with bloodlines purchased from the other Houses. "

Sahaegin says, "It was likely the Ardenai were grateful that no further scrutiny was cast upon the ill-fated venture. "

Sahaegin says, "And in a few years, with the death of the Ardenai King (who was considered most certainly mad in his later years), the Elves had forgotten the whole incident."

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings would always mourn the passing of the great herds. "

Sahaegin says, "They would always continue the rituals they practiced while the ponies were living, in hopes that someday, the horse herds would return."

Sahaegin asks, "Yes Nofret?"

You ask, "Did any horses survive anywhere? And what was the name of that insane king?"

Sahaegin says, "'We Halflings do not give him the respect of a name."

Sahaegin says, "Yes.. horses survived.. but none of the ponies our ancestors bred."

Sahaegin says, "I have a last story to tell you"

Sahaegin says, "I call it.."

Sahaegin says, "The Age of Chaos and Beyond"

Sahaegin says, "You remember that a group of Halflings departed.. and we call them the Paradis"

Sahaegin smiles.

Sahaegin says, "They endured great hardships, not the least of which was despair at the loss of their families and homeland."

Sahaegin says, "Centuries became millennia as the Paradis Halflings slowly meandered westward, around the southern tip of the DragonSpine, continuing northward in their seemingly endless search for a home, while every season some would settle as they grew weary of their constant trekking. "

Sahaegin says, "As the rovers continued, the Land grew more temperate. "

Sahaegin says, "Meadows were rich with crops and orchards gave the Halflings their bounty. "

Sahaegin says, "However, as the travelers ventured northward, the land became arid, and soon the Halflings found themselves at the edge of a dune-swept desert."

Sahaegin says, "The Paradis passed through a great desert. "

Sahaegin says, "Therein, they met a tall people who lived in graceful tents and rode strange hump-backed beasts. "

Sahaegin says, "These nomads reminded the Halflings of their Mhoragian kin. The Halflings felt at home with the generous nomads and stayed with the desert people in their expansive, gaily-striped tents for six years. "

Sahaegin says, "They were taught to find water hidden by sand and the art of navigating the ever-shifting dunes of the desert. And in return, they shared their spicy tribal food dishes with the nomads, as well as their rich traditional songs."

Sahaegin says, "Finally, the Halflings bade their hosts farewell, and the nomads were sorry to lose the company of the kindly, short people from the lands of the rising sun. "

Sahaegin says, "They accompanied the Halflings to the far edge of the intractable wasteland, seeing to it that their little friends did not lose their way and perish."

Sahaegin says, "The name of this tribe was Tehir"

Sahaegin says, "As the Truefolk moved ever north, they began to see trees and in time, were journeying through a vast, old growth forest. "

Sahaegin says, "Reminded of their Brughan kin and the beautiful forest surrounding Khesta 'Dahl, the Halflings found themselves too sorrowful to go further. "

Sahaegin says, "They made a camp and there, spent a number of months composing new songs and singing old ones in tribute to the Brughan families they missed so desperately. "

Sahaegin says, "The forest yielded game and succulent berries and roots, and a cold stream was found not too distant. "

Sahaegin says, "The gers were pitched between tree-trunks so immense that the round tents resembled mushrooms crouching at the foot of the leviathans."

Sahaegin says, "As the days and weeks passed, Halfling children among the Paradis spoke of seeing shadowy folk watching them from the dense foliage. "

Sahaegin says, "Finally, a delegation of tall, beautiful folk materialized out of the underbrush, and approached the Paradis, who were surprised and quite amused by such a turn of events. "

Sahaegin says, "The strangers attempted to communicate using graceful hand-signals. "

Sahaegin says, "Although making little headway with the hand-signals, the Halflings finally managed to understand a few rudimentary gestures. "

Sahaegin says, "Using those and a few more they invented on the spot, they invited the visitors to eat and drink and make music."

Sahaegin says, "The svelte people called themselves Sylvans and they told the Halflings many wonderful stories about the great forest in which they dwelled. "

Sahaegin says, "In turn, the Halflings told them of the Brughan forests and sang songs about the crystal waters of Khesta 'Dahl. "

Sahaegin says, "The Sylvans were delighted with the travelers, and quietly decided among themselves to forego killing the Halflings for the grievous sin of trespassing within the Silver Veil, their name for the forest surrounding and guarding the boundary of Yuriqen."

Sahaegin says, "The Sylvans became regular guests among the settlement of gers, and much lore was traded as well as wares exchanged. "

Sahaegin says, "The Paradis made the Sylvans honorary members of the Order of the Mare, a great honor indeed, although the Sylvans had little knowledge of horses. "

Sahaegin says, "And in return, they were made honorary members of some sort of Sylvan order they could not pronounce, but one they dubbed the Order of the Wolf since that seemed to be its symbol."

Sahaegin says, "Finally, the Paradis decided they were cured of their malaise of sadness and declared they would journey on to the north, since north to the Halflings, was synonymous with home. "

Sahaegin says, "They celebrated a last feast with their friends, and struck the gers the following morning."

Sahaegin says, "Traveling with the Halflings to the edge of the Silver Veil, the Sylvans served a double objective of spending a last few days with their enjoyable little acquaintances as well as insuring that they would not have to kill them after all for venturing too close to Yuriqen. "

Sahaegin says, "One of the Sylvans, a woman called Kaithaire Si'Lariel surprised everyone by her declaration that the Halflings were too interesting to leave, and determined to journey on with them to learn more of their history and culture. "

Sahaegin says, "Among the Paradis, it was an amusing belief that the lovely Kaithaire was interested in learning culture most specifically pertaining to a certain handsome young Halfling by the name of Rasance Delibbe."

Sahaegin says, "The trail north was an easy journey, passing through pleasant rolling hills and gentle valleys. "

Sahaegin says, "Here and there, the Paradis saw beasts in the distance that would have been hostile had the Halflings been closer. "

Sahaegin says, "However, the children were already fairly skillful at some interesting little magic spells the Sylvans had taught them, and any beasts that came closer than the Truefolk wished were frightened away by their conjures"

Sahaegin says, "The adults were, at first, unsure about this magic, but once they perceived how useful it was, they encouraged the children to practice what they had been taught. "

Sahaegin says, "Kaithaire volunteered to continue their instruction, since she happened to be a very gifted wizard and this suggestion was received with a great deal of encouragement."

Sahaegin says, "Finally, after spending the winter camped near a misty lake, the Paradis Halflings again returned to the northern road and at last, reached a lush pine forest"

Sahaegin says, "The air was cold and crisp and promised brilliant summer days and winters blessed with deep drifts of snow. "

Sahaegin says, "Game was so bountiful, the Halflings boasted they had merely to tip over the cook pots and allow dinner to hop in. "

Sahaegin says, "They decided they had at last arrived at a proper place to make a home. The occasion was celebrated by a feast, which did double duty for a hand-fasting party to celebrate the union of Rasance and Kaithaire."

Sahaegin says, "The Halflings dwelt for a time in their gers, but as the years wore away the felt, they erected wooden cabins. "

Sahaegin says, "In time, the settlement was moved some leagues to the Southwest, and a town gradually rose out of the rag-tag collection of cabins and lean-tos"

Sahaegin says, "That village now lies, buried beneath the glacier, outside the North Gate of Icemule Trace."

Sahaegin says, "I have a last few comments.. for those who wish to know about our gers."

Sahaegin says, "You see about you a ger"

[Storytelling Ger] The ground beneath this spacious ger is covered with thick, Malghavan woolen carpets to provide some relief from sitting on the frozen ground. Brightly colored lanterns dangle from the rafters, casting a cheerful light over those who assemble here. Obvious exit: out.

Sahaegin says, "The khana, or walls. The walls are criss-crossed lattices that open out or fold flat. Most of the Halflings build two sections of khana and lace them together as part of setting the ger up. "

Sahaegin says, "The doorframe. The ends of the khana are attached to the doorframe in some fashion, usually tied. "

Sahaegin says, "The roof ring or "Eye of the Father". This goes in the center and has slots for rafters to fit into. The fit is tight to prevent the ring from twisting. Once the ring is in place, no center supports are needed. "

Sahaegin says, "The belly bands. Two bands are wrapped around the outside of the khana to prevent the rafters, which are pushing down, from pressing the khana farther open. One band goes around at the top and one midway up the wall. "

Sahaegin says, "There are additional pieces, notably the felt and the rope or leather thongs that hold the felt walls up, but they are not structural"

Sahaegin says, "And that is my tale."